Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Germination and field survival of white-topped pitcher plant seeds

Informally Refereed

Abstract

A study was initiated to determine longevity of white-topped pitcher plant (Sarracenia leucophylla, Raf.) seeds in the field and in cold storage. Thirty seed pods were harvested in August 2009 from plants located in Alabama 38 miles from the Gulf Coast. Of the 10,000+ seeds extracted from the pods, some were buried outside in screen-wire bags and harvested throughout the year. In addition, 100 seeds were immediately placed in the growth chamber to test for viability, while others were (1) stratified for 60 days in the walk-in cooler immediately after collection, (2) stratified for 4-6-8 weeks after being stored for 7 months, (3) placed in a vial and left at room temperature for one year, (4) scattered on the surface of two pots and left outside all winter, and (5) stored dry in the walk-in cooler. Seeds placed immediately in the growth chamber without any period of cold stratification did not germinate, while those cold stratified for 4 weeks averaged 21% germination. Seeds stored 7 months and then stratified for 4, 6, or 8 weeks averaged 75%, 78%, and 72% germination respectively. Seeds scattered on the surface of two pots and left outdoors averaged 50% germination the following spring. Seeds in the buried screen-wire bags began germinating inside the bags in June 2010. Seeds were still viable after one year in the buried bags and after one year when stored as dry samples in the cooler.

Citation

Connor, Kristina; Gibbs, Hilliard. 2012. Germination and field survival of white-topped pitcher plant seeds. In: Kush, J.S., comp. Proceedings of the Eighth Longleaf Alliance Regional Conference. Longleaf Alliance Report No. 16. 42-46.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/42345